Portable-type information apparatus

ABSTRACT

A notebook type personal computer has a common connector detachably connected to a mating connector of a connection unit, or replicator, which further has plural connectors affording detachable connections to plural peripheral units. One or more fastener units, carried by the connector unit, provide for detachably but rigidly affixing the connector unit to the notebook type personal computer. An alternative connector box accommodates one or more batteries while affording connections through the common connector and the plural first connectors to peripheral units and yet another alternative connector box houses only batteries and is connectable through a mating connector to the common connector of the personal computer to afford extended operating time.

This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/885,857 filed Jun. 30,1997 now 6,411,503.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable-type information apparatussuch as a notebook-type personal computer or a word processor,particularly to a portable-type information apparatus which is largelyimproved in extendability and portability.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, miniaturization of portable-type information apparatuses suchas notebook-type personal computers has been significantly accelerateddue to the rapid progress of electronic technology, whereby the user canalways carry the information apparatus with him even outside the office.

Information apparatuses, particularly notebook type personal computers,have often been provided with various connectors for the connection ofexternal keyboards, mice, external CRTs, printers or others, forextending the functions thereof.

Since recently marketed notebook-type personal computers have alreadybeen miniaturized in size and weight to a large extent, it is difficultto further improve the portability without sacrificing theextendability.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide areasonable and economical information apparatus of a portable typeimproved in operability and portability without deteriorating theextendability, based on a novel technical idea.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a portable-typeinformation apparatus having an information apparatus body comprises adetachable connector unit provided with a plurality of connectorsadapted to be detachably connected to peripheral units and with at leastone connector adapted to be detachably connected to the informationapparatus body; connection means provided on the information apparatusbody, for the connection between the connector unit and the informationapparatus body; and a detachable battery unit containing at least onebattery and having substantially the same size as that of the connectorunit; and wherein the battery unit and the connector unit canalternatively be connected to the information apparatus in substantiallythe same connecting position relative to the information apparatus body.

Preferably the battery unit is connected to the information apparatusbody through the connection means. Also, preferably, coupling means areprovided to transmit electrical power from the battery unit to theinformation apparatus body. Preferably, at least one fastener unit ismounted between the information apparatus body and the connector unitaffording mechanical detachable fixation therebetween. Also, preferably,the connector unit is mechanically detachably fixed to the informationapparatus body through said at least one fastener unit. Preferably, theconnector unit and the battery unit are alternatively detachably fixedto the back side of the information apparatus body.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a portable-typeinformation apparatus having an information apparatus body comprises adetachable connector unit provided with a plurality of connectorsadapted to be detachably connected to peripheral units and with at leastone connector adapted to be detachably connected to the informationapparatus body connection means provided on the information apparatusbody, for the connection between the connector unit and the informationapparatus body; and a detachable battery unit containing at least onebattery and having substantially the same size as that of the connectorunit, said battery unit being connectable to the information apparatusbody through the connection means.

Preferably, coupling means is provided to transmit electrical power fromthe battery unit to the information apparatus body. Also, preferably, atleast one fastener unit is mounted between the information apparatusbody and the connector unit for a mechanical detachable fixationtherebetween. Preferably, the connector unit is mechanically detachablyfixed to the information apparatus body through said at least onefaster. Also, preferably, the connector unit and the battery unit arealternatively detachably fixed to the back side of the informationapparatus body.

According to further aspect of the invention, a connector unit adaptedto be detachably connected to a portable-type information apparatushaving an information apparatus body comprises a plurality of connectorsadapted to be detachably connected to peripheral units; at least oneconnector adapted to be detachably connected to the informationapparatus body; and at least one battery enclosed therein to supplyelectrical power to the information apparatus body.

Preferably, connection means are provided for the connection between theconnector unit and the information apparatus body and wherein couplingmeans is provided to supply electrical power from said at least onebattery to the information apparatus. Also, preferably, at least onefastener unit is provided between the information apparatus body and theconnector unit for a mechanical detachable fixation therebetween.Preferably, it is detachably fixed to the back side of the informationapparatus body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparentfrom the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment ofthe invention, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a notebook type personal computer according toone embodiment of the present invention, in an open state;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view as seen from a front side, and FIG. 2B isa perspective view as seen from a rear side, of the comparator of FIG.1, illustrating the relationship of a connector box relative to thepersonal computer;

FIG. 3A is a rear view, FIG. 3B is a top view, FIG. 3C is a front viewand FIG. 3D is a leftside view, of the connector box;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side sectional view of a main part of a fastener;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a connector box accommodating batteriestherein;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a battery pack.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described in more detail below withreference to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the attacheddrawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a notebook-type personal computer 1according to one embodiment of the present invention. With reference tothis drawing, the personal computer 1 consists of a lower housing 5which is built in a main circuit board carrying a CPU or othercomponents, and having a keyboard 3 on the upper surface thereof, and anupper housing 9 coupled, in a hinged manner, to an edge portion(innermost side) of the lower housing 5 and having a liquid crystaldisplay 7 in a central area thereof. The upper housing 9 is folded ontothe lower housing 5 to form an integral case convenient fortransportation.

On the operator's side relative to the keyboard 3 extending in thecentral area of the upper surface of the lower housing 5, there isprovided a palm rest section 11 wherein a pointing device 13 of a balltype is provided at a center thereof.

A hinge section 15 is provided along the innermost edge of the lowerhousing 5, farthest from the operator's side beyond the keyboard 3, forcoupling to the upper housing 9 while leaving an upper surface vacantspace 17 of about 20 mm wide between the hinge section and the keyboard3.

In a central region of the upper surface vacant area 17, asuspend/resume key 21 is provided. The suspend/resume key 21 has afunction of interrupting the supply of electric power to electronicparts, including CPU and those relating to the output/input, except formemories, so that the power consumption in the personal computer isrestricted (i.e., limited) to a lower level than a normal operatingpower consumption level.

The liquid crystal display 7, of a rectangular shape and large size isprovided-in a central area of the display surface of the upper housing9. Generally in a lower area of the upper housing beneath the liquidcrystal display 7, a so-called state-displaying section 31 is providedin a central region which confronts the suspend/resume key 21 of thelower housing 5 when the upper housing 9 is closed (folded) to the lowerhousing 5. A sound output section 33 having a number of small aperturesis provided on both sides of the state-displaying section 31.

The state-displaying section 31 has a function of visually displayingwhether or not a predetermined electronic device, internal or externalto the personal computer is operative or inoperative, and basicallyconsists of an elongated liquid crystal substrate 35.

The rear surface of the lower housing 5, has none of the variousconnectors for connection to external keyboards, mice, external CRTs orprinters which usually are provided in the conventional notebook typepersonal computer, and, instead, a specially designed common connector51 which is a combination of the above-mentioned connectors as a singleunit is provided. Therefore, a space in the lower housing which would beoccupied by these connectors in the conventional computer isunnecessary, and thus, miniaturization of the personal computer ispossible. Further, two or more common connectors (not shown) may beprovided.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the common connector 51 on the rear surfaceof the lower housing 5 (of the personal computer 1) is adapted to bedetachably connected to a connector section 55 provided on a rectangularfront surface of a connector box 53 (which is also called a portreplicator) so that the connector box 53 is detachably mounted to therear surface of the lower housing 5.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the connector box 53 is provided with variousconnectors CN on the rear surface thereof, which would be carried on theconventional personal computer.

The connector section 55 on the front surface of the connector box 53consists of a terminal having 60 pins and a pair of guide pins 57 onboth sides thereof for facilitating the connector engagement. The guidepins 57 are engageable with corresponding guide holes (not shown)provided at corresponding positions in the lower housing and alsofunction as grounding connectors.

On both sides of a front wall of the connector box 53 are provided apair of fasteners 61 for reliably fixing the connector box 53 to therear surface of the lower housing 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fastener 61 basically consists of a threaded rod63 so as having a thread at a tip 30 end, a main body 65 accommodatingthe threaded rod 63 so as to be movable in the axial direction andcoupled to the threaded rod 63 to be rotatable therewith, and acompression coil spring 67 mounted within the main body 65 for biasingthe threaded rod 63 outwardly. An enlarged disk 69 having a knurledperiphery is provided in the main body 65.

When the fasteners 61 are attached to a predetermined position on theopposite sides of the connector box 53, the thread of the threaded rod63 partially projects outwardly from the front surface of the connectorbox 53, and the enlarged disk 69 partially projects outwardly from arectangular window 73 formed in a recess 71 of the respective end wallof the connector box 53 (see FIGS. 3B, 3D). Since this projected amountis actually very small, the knurled periphery looks as if it issubstantially flush with the end surface of connector box 53.

During the attachment of the connector box 53 to the personal computer 1(i.e., to the lower housing 5), the connector section 55, provided onthe front surface of the connector box 53, is engaged with the commonconnector 51 on the rear surface of the personal computer 1 so that therear surface of the personal computer 1 and the front surface of theconnector box 53 are wholly or substantially brought intosurface-contact with each other. At this time, the threaded rods 63projected from the respective sides of the front surface of theconnector box 53 just confront female thread sections (fasteningsections) 77 (see FIG. 2B) provided at corresponding positions on therear surface of the personal computer 1. More specifically, the threadsection of the threaded rod 63 is pushed into the main body 65 against abiasing force of the compression coil spring 67 in the main body 65 ofthe fastener 61, while being fittingly in contact with the female threadsection 77 (that is, while maintaining a state to be easily engageablewith the female thread 30 section 77).

Then, the operator manually rotates the enlarged disk 69, using theknurled periphery thereof, through the window 73 of the recess 71provided on the respective end surface of the connector box 53, in arequired direction (selected in accordance with the thread direction),whereby the threaded rod 63 rotates therewith to completely screw thethreaded rod 63 (thread section) into the female thread section 77.

As described above, since the fastener structure is adapted so that themovable threaded rod 63 is biased outwardly and rotated by the operationof the enlarged disk 69, the fastening operation of the fastener 61 iscarried out very easily in a mechanical manner. Similarly, the removalof the connector box 53 is also facilitated.

According to this embodiment of the above structure, since variousconnectors usually provided in the conventional personal computer areremoved, it is possible to miniaturize an outer size of the personalcomputer, whereby the portability thereof is greatly enhanced. Insteadof the removed connectors, a connector box 53 is prepared, which iscapable of being electrically coupled in a very simple manner to thepersonal computer by a single engagement connection (between the commonconnector and the connector section 55). Also, according to thecharacteristic structure of the fastener 61 provided on the respectiveside of the connector box 53, mounting/dismounting of the connector box63 can be safely and reliably carried out. Thus, there is noinconvenience in the utility and operability of electric wiring orarrangement.

Another type connector box 83 may be provided as shown in FIG. 5,wherein cylindrical rechargeable batteries B for the extension arelongitudinally accommodated in a central space of the interior of theconnector box. On the other hand, power supply lines are provided bothin the common connector of the information apparatus body and theconnector section 55 of the connector box 83. The arrangement of thevarious connectors CN, common connector, fastener or others arebasically the same as those in the above connector box 53, and thereforethe explanation thereof will be eliminated herein.

According to the above connector box 83 with batteries, the operativetime of the personal computer can be prolonged (for example, by about1.5 hours if three batteries B are accommodated) to facilitate both theportability and the extendability.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, a so-called 5 (extension) battery pack93 may be provided alternative to the connector boxes 53 and 83described above, which has generally the same profile and size as thoseof the connector box 53, but has none of the various connectors CN asare provided on the rear surface of the connector box 53 in FIG. 5.Instead of the various connectors, batteries B are accommodated in theinterior thereof.

When the battery pack 93 is used, although the function-expendabilityinherent to a connector box is lost, the operative time of the personalcomputer is greatly prolonged (for example, by about 3 hours if sixbatteries are accommodated), which facilitates the portability of thepersonal computer 1.

Since the battery pack has substantially the same profile and size asthe connector boxes 53, 83, it is favorable in appearance and convenientin storage.

The connector box 53, the connector box 83 with batteries and thebattery pack 93 can be alternatively mounted to the personal computer 1,which provides various systems constructed by the personal computer andperipheral devices thereof, and widens the user's choice.

While the above-mentioned embodiments are limited to the application ofthe present invention to a personal computer, the present inventionshould not be limited thereto but may be effectively applicable also toother portable-type electronic apparatuses such as a word processor.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possibleto provide a very reasonable and economical portable type informationwhich is improved in operability and portability without deterioratingthe extendability. More specifically, according to the portable typeinformation apparatus since a plurality of connectors of various kindsfor the extension are removed, the apparatus can be miniaturized in sizeand reduced in weight. In spite of the removal of such connectors, theextendability is not deteriorated because of the provision of a commonconnector for coupling a connector box to the personal computer. If afastening section is provided, the rigid fixation of the connector boxbecomes possible to enhance the stability and the mechanical strength.If a connector section of a connector box with batteries is coupled tothe common connector, the operative time can be prolonged withoutdeteriorating the extendability. If a battery pack is used, theoperative time can be further prolonged. If the portable informationapparatus is a notebook-type personal computer, the improvement inextendability and operative time enhances the utility of the personalcomputer.

Also, the connector box according to the present invention is easilyhandled and can be mounted to the portable type information apparatus ina simple manner, resulting in an improvement in extendability of theportable-type information apparatus and a reduction in the weightthereof. If a fastener is provided, the connector box can be rigidlyfixed to result in favorable stability and mechanical strength. If abattery is provided, it is possible to prolong the operating timewithout deteriorating the extendability.

Further, according to a battery pack of the present invention, a furtherprolongation of operating time of the portable type informationapparatus is available. Since the battery pack is mounted to theportable type information apparatus alternatively to the connector box,various options can be adopted in accordance with the desired uses.

It is to be understood that the invention is by no means limited to thespecific embodiments illustrated and described herein, and that variousmodifications thereof may be made which come within the scope of thepresent invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A electronic apparatus having a body, comprising:a detachable connector unit having a plurality of first connectorsaffording detachable connections to peripheral units and a secondconnector; a common connector on the body affording a detachableconnection thereof to the second connector of the detachable connectorunit; a detachable battery unit having a third connector andcontaining-at least one battery, said detachable battery unit beingconnectable by the third connector thereof to the electronic apparatus.2. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the common connectortransmits electrical power from the battery unit to the electronicapparatus.
 3. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, further comprising afastener unit extending between the body and the connector unit andaffording a mechanical detachable fixation therebetween.
 4. Theelectronic apparatus of claim 3, wherein the detachable connector unitis mechanically detachably fixed to the body through said fastener. 5.The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector unit and thebattery unit are, alternatively, detachably affixed to a back side ofthe electronic apparatus body.
 6. A detachable connector unit,comprising: a plurality of first connectors affording detachableconnections to peripheral units, a second connector affording adetachable connection of the connector unit to a common connector of anelectronic apparatus; and a holding part, holding at least one battery,alternatively connectable by the common connector to the electronicapparatus.
 7. The connector unit of claim 6, wherein the batterysupplies the electrical power to the electronic apparatus through thecommon connector.
 8. The connector unit of claim 6, further comprising afastener unit extending between the electronic apparatus body and theconnector unit and affording a mechanical detachable connectiontherebetween.
 9. The connector unit of claim 6, wherein the connectorunit is detachably fixed to the back side of the electronic apparatusbody.
 10. The connector unit of claim 6, wherein the holding partaccommodates the battery.
 11. The connector unit of claim 10, whereinthe battery supplies electrical power to the electronic apparatus. 12.An electronic apparatus having an electronic apparatus body, comprising:a detachable connector unit having a plurality of first connectorsaffording detachable connections to peripheral units, a second connectorelectrically connected with the plurality of first connectors and aholding part holding at least one battery; and a third connector on theelectronic apparatus body affording a detachable connection thereof tothe second connector of the detachable connector unit.
 13. An electronicapparatus having an electronic apparatus body, comprising: a detachableconnector unit having a plurality of first connectors affordingdetachable connections to peripheral units, a second connector and abattery; and a third connector on the electronic apparatus bodyaffording a detachable connection thereof to the second connector of thedetachable connector unit.
 14. A detachable connector unit, comprising:a plurality of first connectors affording detachable connections toperipheral units; a second connector affording a detachable connectionof the connector unit to a common connector of an electronic apparatus;and a battery connected to the second connector and supplying electricalpower therethrough to the electronic apparatus.
 15. A detachableconnector unit having a width and comprising: a plurality of firstconnectors arranged at least width-wise thereon and affording detachableconnections to respective peripheral units, a second connector affordinga detachable connection of the connector unit to a common connector ofan electronic apparatus; and a holding part, holding at least onebattery, alternatively connectable by the common connector to theelectronic apparatus.
 16. A detachable connector as recited in claim 15,wherein the plurality of first connectors are arranged, and disposed,substantially, over the entire width of the detachable connector unit.17. A detachable battery unit as recited in claim 15, wherein thedetachable connector unit and a body of the electronic apparatus haverespective, substantially planar and continuous surfaces from which therespective third and second connectors extend and which surfaces are inopposing, contiguous relationship when the third and second connectorsare coupled together.
 18. A detachable battery unit as recited in claim15, wherein the detachable connector unit and a body of the electronicapparatus have respective, substantially equal widths.
 19. An electronicapparatus having an electronic apparatus body, comprising: a detachableconnector unit having a width and, further, having a plurality of firstconnectors arranged at least width-wise thereon and affording detachableconnections to respective peripheral units, a second connectorelectrically connected with the plurality of first connectors and aholding part holding at least one battery; and a third connector on theelectronic apparatus body affording a detachable connection thereof tothe second connector of the detachable connector unit.
 20. An electronicapparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the plurality of firstconnectors are arranged, and disposed, substantially, over the entirewidth of the detachable connector unit.
 21. An electronic apparatus asrecited in claim 19, wherein the body of the electronic apparatus andthe detachable connector unit have respective, substantially planar andcontinuous surfaces from which the respective third and secondconnectors extend and which surfaces are in opposing, contiguousrelationship when the third and second connectors are coupled together.22. An electronic apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the body ofthe electronic apparatus and the detachable connector unit haverespective, substantially equal widths.
 23. An electronic apparatushaving an electronic apparatus body, comprising: a detachable connectorunit having a width and, further, having a plurality of first connectorsarranged at least width-wise thereon and affording detachableconnections to respective peripheral units, a second connector and abattery; and a third connector on the electronic apparatus bodyaffording a detachable connection thereof to the second connector of thedetachable connector unit.
 24. An electronic apparatus as recited inclaim 23, wherein the plurality of first connectors are arranged, anddisposed, substantially, over the entire width of the detachableconnector unit.
 25. An electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23,wherein the body of the electronic apparatus and the detachableconnector unit have respective, substantially planar and continuoussurfaces from which the respective third and second connectors extendand which surfaces are in opposing, contiguous relationship when thethird and second connectors are coupled together.
 26. An electronicapparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein the body of the electronicapparatus and the detachable connector unit have respective,substantially equal widths.
 27. A detachable connector unit, comprising:a plurality of first connectors arranged at least width-wise thereon andaffording detachable connections to respective peripheral units; asecond connector affording a detachable connection of the connector unitto a common connector of the electronic apparatus; and a batteryconnected to the second connector and supplying electrical powertherethrough to the electronic apparatus.
 28. A detachable connectorunit as recited in claim 27, wherein the plurality of first connectorsare arranged, and disposed, substantially, over the entire width of thedetachable connector unit.
 29. A detachable connector unit as recited inclaim 27, wherein the detachable connector unit and a body of theelectronic apparatus have respective, substantially planar andcontinuous surfaces from which the respective third and secondconnectors extend and which surfaces are in opposing, contiguousrelationship when the third and second connectors are coupled together.30. A detachable connector unit as recited in claim 27, wherein thedetachable connector unit and a body of the electronic apparatus haverespective, substantially equal widths.